Isro NVS-03 satellite launch: The science and setbacks behind NavIC, India’s version of GPS
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is launching the NVS-03 satellite to strengthen its NavIC navigation system. The project aims to provide India with an independent alternative to the US-owned GPS, which has faced technical setbacks and reliability issues.
Why it matters
National sovereignty in navigation systems is critical for defense and civilian infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign-controlled technology during geopolitical conflicts.
The Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) launch of NVS-03 at 11.51pm on Friday is an attempt to bolster NavIC – India's answer to GPS – which has been unable to give a position without foreign navigation systems since March because too few of its satellites are working.GPS is the US government-owned system that most services and institutions rely on to find a location and keep time. India built NavIC so that it would not have to depend on a system controlled by another government, especially in times of a conflict.
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